Outside Section 272Data Current as of: 10/17/2014

SECTION 272.
There is hereby established a special commission on aphasia which shall consist of: the secretary of the executive office of health and human services or a designee, who shall serve as chair; 1 of whom shall be the commissioner of public health, or a designee; 1 of whom shall be the commissioner of insurance, or a designee; 3 members appointed by the senate president, 1 of whom shall be the senate chairman of the joint committee on public health, or a designee, 1 of whom shall be a person with aphasia and 1 of whom provides services to persons with aphasia; 3 members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be the house chairman of the joint committee on public health, or a designee, 1 of whom shall be a person with aphasia and 1 of whom provides services to persons with aphasia; and 4 members appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a person with aphasia, 1 of whom provides services to persons with aphasia, and 2 members of the public with demonstrated expertise in issues relating to the work of the commission. The commission shall study and make recommendations regarding the need for support programs to meet the needs of persons with aphasia and their families, and which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) establishing a mechanism in order to ascertain the prevalence of aphasia in Massachusetts, and the unmet needs of persons with aphasia and those of their families; (2) studying model aphasia support programs, such as the Aphasia Center at Massachusetts General Hospital's Institute of Health Professions Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Aphasia Resource Center at Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College; and (3) providing recommendations for additional legislation, support programs and resources necessary to meet the unmet needs of persons with aphasia and their families.

The commission shall organize within 120 days following the appointment of a majority of its members. Vacancies in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner provided for the original appointments. Public members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The executive office of health and human services may provide staff support to the commission.

The commission shall report to the general court the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry its recommendations into effect, by filing the same with the clerk of the senate and the clerk of the house of representatives on or before December 31, 2014.